The discus throw is one of the oldest sports disciplines. Along with the long jump (halma), javelin throw (akontion), short distance running (dromos) and wrestling (pale), it was part of the ancient pentathlon at the Olympic Games. The introduction of the pentathlon is documented for the year 708 BC. Athletes also competed in the discus throw at the first Olympic Games of modern times, in Athens in 1896, but as an individual discipline. (AVS)
Former August Kestner Collection, Rome
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